by our College Data Analytics Team
[Physical Education](/majors/parks-recreation-fitness/health-and-physical-education/physical-education/) programs reward a close look at where your money goes furthest. A high-value program keeps cost low while graduates go on to earn well.
College Factual analyzed 6 schools to build this 2026 ranking of the best value physical education schools.
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If you want to know which schools deliver the best value for the physical education degrees they offer, see the list below.
Berea College tops our 2026 list of the best value physical education schools in Kentucky. Set in the town of Berea, Berea College is a small private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $51,658 in tuition and fees. Physical Education graduates carry a median of $5,801 in student loans. Early-career physical education graduates make about $31,428. Set against $5,801 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 19% of applicants are accepted.
University Of The Cumberlands came in at #2 on our 2026 list of the best value physical education schools. Located in the town of Williamsburg, University Of The Cumberlands is a very large private not-for-profit university. Students from in state pay about $9,875 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $22,630 to complete the physical education program here. Soon after graduation, physical education degree recipients from University Of The Cumberlands generally make around $31,401. Set against $22,630 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 99% of applicants are accepted.
Georgetown College is a great value for students pursuing a degree in physical education, landing the #3 spot this year. Located in the town of Georgetown, Georgetown College is a small private not-for-profit university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $42,840. Typical student debt for physical education graduates is $27,000. Physical Education graduates of Georgetown College earn a median of $37,620 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 91%.
A rank of #4 makes University Of Louisville one of the best values for physical education. University Of Louisville is a very large public school located in the city of Louisville. In-state tuition and fees average $13,136, with out-of-state students paying around $29,482. Students borrow a median of $22,053 to complete the physical education program here. Physical Education graduates of University Of Louisville earn a median of $36,995 early in their careers. Set against $22,053 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 79% of applicants are accepted.
A rank of #5 makes Thomas More College one of the best values for physical education. Set in the suburb of Crestview Hills, Thomas More College is a mid-sized private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $39,025. Physical Education graduates carry a median of $31,608 in student loans. Early-career physical education graduates make about $57,440. That is a strong return on a $31,608 median debt. Roughly 90% of applicants are accepted.
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Union College Kentucky ranked #6 on our 2026 list of the best value physical education schools. Union College Kentucky is a small private not-for-profit school located in the town of Barbourville. In-state tuition and fees average $30,946. Physical Education graduates carry a median of $27,852 in student loans. Early-career physical education graduates make about $54,587. Set against $27,852 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Union College Kentucky admits about 63% of applicants.
This ranking is produced by College Factual (MF_RANKING_2025), 2026 edition. Schools are scored on the balance of cost (tuition and student debt) against student outcomes (post-graduation earnings) — a measure of return on investment, drawn primarily from the U.S. Department of Education (IPEDS and College Scorecard).
Ranking method: College Major Best Value · 6 schools evaluated.
*Averages shown above reflect the top 3 ranked schools only.
More about our data sources and methodologies.